Design Journey #15 - Collectible Design Favorites
Sharing my passion and favorite designers in the world of collectible design
Hi everyone!
I hope you’re all enjoying the same sunny start to the week as we are here in Munich.
Last week, I took a day trip to the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt, where interior brands and suppliers presented their latest editions. I was especially drawn to the TALENTS section, showcasing 28 young designers, most of them fresh graduates. Their creative energy and fresh ideas for design and materials were truly inspiring. Many of their pieces could easily be classified as collectible design or 'functional art,' so I decided to share my top two favorites, along with a few more of my personal picks.
Pablo Ejarque González, Spain / America
He developed the material Graphite Bioplastic, made from 100% natural ingredients with endless possibilities for shaping and molding. This made it possible that even drops are still “hanging” on the lamp. And then there was his "All Burnt Side Table" - molten glass is poured over a hand-carved wooden mold, burning it away and leaving behind the imprint of its texture in the solidified glass. Such a strong concept. I bet we’ll see more of him in the future.
Teun Zwets, Netherlands
Showing incredible one-of-a-kind collectible design pieces made from split pine, inspired by the raw beauty of wood’s natural grain, but all coated in high gloss fun colors.
When I reflect on how my passion for collectible design began, I remember meeting Julius Iversen in person at his Tableau Copenhagen gallery a few years ago. I was impressed by his space, the diverse design pieces, and his incredible ability to curate them in such a unique way. Sure, art on the wall is amazing, but when pieces have a function behind them and you can actually use them, that’s when it becomes something truly special to me.
Today, I’d like to share some of my favorite artists with you. I’m convinced that this area will continue to grow as more people seek pieces with emotional value and stories to tell.
Niklas Runesson, Sweden
During the recent Stockholm Design Week, I followed some highlights. One of them that clearly stood out to me was this chair with its sculptural feet and furry fabric. I immediately thought, “Omg, who is behind this?” To me, it’s such a special piece - playful, surreal, and full of character. Having pieces like this at home feels like a joyful escape from reality. I think this aligns perfectly with what Niklas himself says about his work: “Objects are friendly creatures, tying together the seriousness and playfulness of life.”
And it’s definitely not only about this one chair, there are more adorable objects. From now I’ll watch him closely.
Six Dots, UK
Since I adore silver metal interior pieces, I love the work from Joe from Six Dots. These organic, flowing shapes create pieces that look a bit like from a different planet. Somehow I feel like they add something magical to a room. I also really like his attitude, as he said in an interview that he seeks to understand the deeper emotional or contextual need behind an object, making his work feel highly personal.
“In valuing the process of production and the origins of products we hope that society will build more intimate connections with the objects surrounding them. This, in turn, will mean they consume less. Out of this revised relationship with objects, we can then build a more sustainable ecosystem.” Joe Ellwood via Shoreditch Arts Club
Studio Kuhlmann, Germany
Staying in the field of silver metal addictions, Studio Kuhlman is another exceptional example. Led by Hannah who graduated in Product Design from an Academy in Fine Arts, you can immediately spot her investigation into sculptural forms, where functional design is blended with art. All pieces are made-to-order.
Artur de Menezes, Spain
When looking at Artur’s work, it is directly clear that he is very strong with digital tools as some of them have this surreal look. He used to be the product design director at the incredible digital art studio Six n Five. But now he’s designing pieces for brands and individual clients with the approach to improve people’s live with very visually pleasing pieces that are still functional. I was also able to sit on one of his designs last year during Salone - the In & Out Chair for Bottone Objects.
Ben Storms, Belgium
I first discovered Ben’s work at Baranzate Ateliers during Milan Design Week last year, and I was immediately blown away by how he transforms stone, glass, and metal into pieces like cushion sculptures with a slouchy, organic feel. His approach to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques creates shapes that challenge expectations, and as he says himself, “by creating shapes that verge on the impossible, I confuse the viewers, make them lose their balance briefly, and stimulate them to look at familiar materials with a fresh eye.”
Jan Ernst, South Africa
Last year around this time I was able to meet Jan Ernst in person and have a glimpse into his work process at his previous studio. It was so interesting to see. What he is doing with ceramics, is just a different level. And I think for everyone else out there working with clay, I think it can be very motivating that he only started to work with clay a few years ago.
Sem Lavdansky, Russia
Sem, running Lavdansky studio together with his brother, originally studied industrial design, but also church architecture, sacred images, and symbols, which shaped his aesthetic vision. His work feels like a quiet dialogue between past and present. His approach is deeply intuitive, guided by the materials he works with and the historical narratives he seeks to preserve.
“It’s important for me to grasp the feeling of the material and its character.” Sem in an interview with Yana Karnaukhove.
HADDOU / DUFOURCQ, France
Their latest "TRAMA" collection for Monde Singulier is a bold mix of modern and classical influences, turned into sculptural furniture and lighting. With lacquered wood in soft oyster white, the pieces play with geometric shapes, negative space, and striking details. A perfect balance between function and artistic expression. I’m excited if we’ll see more collectible design pieces from them in the future.
If you’re into collectible design too, galleries you definitely shouldn’t miss out when travelling are the following:
- Friedman Benda NYC
- Objects with Narratives, Brussels
- St Vincents, Antwerp
- Tableau CPH, Copenhagen
- Boon Room, Paris
- Monde Singulier, in the world wide web :)
And speaking of traveling - my next edition will be a city guide again, dropping in two weeks!
xx Anke
Amazing round up 👏👏👏